JORHAT, July 25: Even as confusion prevails over Sanjoy Ghosh's fate following two contradictory statements issued by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) who abducted him on July 4, cross-section of people in the district town believe that the renowned NGO activist is alive and well and will be out one day or the other.

Noted litterateur and former president of the Asom Sahitya Sabha said though the two statements of the ULFA had set off a confusing situation he strongly believed Ghosh was alive.

``But I am confused, though I feel Sanjoy is alive. What I feel is that the ULFA should come out with a more convincing statement,'' said Malik, also a former Rajya Sabha member, pointing out to AVARD-NE's appeal on Wednesday that the abductors should let him (Ghosh) speak to the family over the telephone.

The AVARD-NE, in its statement made here yesterday had urged the ULFA to either let Ghosh speak to the family over the phone or publish a photograph with Ghosh reading the latest copy of a newspaper.In the State AVARD-NE office here, the volunteers too are in a state of confusion. Deba Kumar Bora, editor of Dainik Janambhoomi, the leading newspaper of Upper Assam published from here feels it would be a miracle if Sanjoy was alive.

Bora wants the ULFA to come out with a more convincing statement, and wonders who were behind the two contradictory statements issued on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hemalata Dutta, state president of Country Women's Association said the abduction of Ghosh was a major blow to NGO activity in the State.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.